Is herringbone laminate flooring suitable for your home? Originally expensive due to its solid hardwood composition, a more affordable laminate option exists for those desiring this pattern. However, achieving a herringbone pattern requires laminate specifically designed for it, as standard laminates’ click-and-lock systems do not accommodate the unique installation of a herringbone design.
Choosing and installing new flooring involves decisions on material and pattern. For herringbone laminate flooring, selecting the right product tailored for this design is crucial to overcome installation challenges.
Can You Lay Normal Laminate in Herringbone Pattern?
Standard laminate flooring cannot be installed in a herringbone pattern due to the specific alignment required by each plank for this design.
However, laminate flooring manufactured specifically for herringbone patterns is available. This specialized flooring includes “A” and “B” boards, equipped with groove and tongue edges designed to click together seamlessly.
Thus, without these “A” and “B” boards, typical laminate flooring planks cannot achieve a herringbone layout.
Is Herringbone Laminate Hard to Install?
Herringbone laminate is notably straightforward to install, thanks to the “A” and “B” boards designed with grooves and tongues for easy snapping together. Unlike solid hardwood floors, herringbone laminate doesn’t require stapling, gluing, or nailing, making it a feasible DIY project without significant difficulty.
However, for those lacking flooring installation experience or the necessary tools, professional help is available. The cost for professional installation of herringbone laminate varies by brand and quality, typically ranging from $3 to $11 per square foot.
The time required to install laminate floors in a herringbone pattern depends on the room size and the installer’s skill level, ranging from 2 to 5 days.
How to Lay Laminate Flooring in a Herringbone Pattern?
To install herringbone laminate flooring efficiently, begin by acclimating the boards for 48 to 72 hours in the installation space. This step prevents future warping and gapping by adjusting the boards to the room’s humidity and temperature.
For installation, gather necessary tools including a hammer, knee pads, gloves, straight edge, safety boots, glasses, hand saw, tape measure, pencil, set square, and if available, a miter saw, jigsaw, and cordless screwdriver.
Prepare the subfloor by cleaning and drying it thoroughly. Use a moisture meter to check moisture levels and ensure the subfloor is level to prevent mold under the laminate.
Select the appropriate underlay to provide cushioning, improve acoustics, maintain level surfaces, and prevent moisture damage. Consider the underlay’s type and thickness based on your floor’s requirements.
Account for expansion by leaving a 3/8″ to 5/8″ gap around the room’s perimeter, allowing the flooring to expand and contract with temperature changes without damage.
For installation:
- Identify A and B boards as indicated. Use these to form the herringbone ‘V’ shape by connecting B boards to A boards at header joints.
- Create template triangles by arranging and cutting boards into an inverted triangle shape, ensuring secure connections.
- Begin at the center of the rear wall, placing the first triangle and expanding outward, maintaining a 10 mm gap from walls.
- Measure and cut the last triangles on each side to fit precisely after leaving a 10 mm space from the wall.
- Continue laying the flooring in rows, alternating A and B boards, ensuring the pattern is consistent and aligned.
For additional guidance, consult available video tutorials on creating a herringbone pattern with laminate flooring.
Which Direction Should Herringbone Floor Be Laid?
The orientation of herringbone flooring significantly influences a room’s ambiance and appearance. Aligning it with the room’s entrance and towards light sources is generally advised for optimal effect. However, consider the following to refine your decision:
- Install the flooring along the room’s length to enhance its dimensions.
- Position the flooring towards natural light to minimize the visibility of joints and blemishes, creating an illusion of a brighter center.
- In rooms with multiple light sources or windows, consider a diagonal layout to draw in light and foster a serene atmosphere.
- For hallways or narrow spaces, install the flooring lengthwise. In contrast, crosswise installation suits broader spaces, with an L-shaped pattern being optimal for unique layouts.
- Direct the flooring towards room highlights, such as fireplaces or windows, to accentuate these features.
Is It Worth It to Install Laminate Flooring in a Herringbone Patten?
Installing laminate flooring in a herringbone design is beneficial across various rooms, including bedrooms and dining areas. This style mimics real wood’s appearance at a fraction of the cost, offering ease of maintenance and practicality.
The herringbone pattern is known for its space-enhancing effect, creating an illusion of movement that can make rooms appear larger.
While the herringbone design originated with solid hardwood flooring, which is expensive and challenging to install and maintain, herringbone laminate offers a cost-effective and user-friendly alternative.
FAQs
Can Any Flooring Be Laid Herringbone?
Herringbone pattern is quite flexible, so you can use it for any flooring. Some of the common materials that can be used include luxury vinyl, prefinished wood, bamboo flooring, unfinished hardwood, and tile and laminate flooring. There are different types of hardwood available and a variety of tiles as well.
Does Herringbone Flooring Make a Room Look Smaller?
No, herringbone flooring does not make a room look smaller. Instead, it does the complete opposite, making a room look bigger because of the ‘V’ shape. The pattern creates an optical illusion that makes the space look bigger, making it a great choice for compact spaces.
Can You Make a Pattern with Laminate Flooring?
You should not create a pattern with laminate flooring and go with a random stagger. It is possible to make a pattern, but it can distract people from the wood pattern of the laminate flooring. In addition, it may also highlight flaws or the seams of the boards, so irregular or random pattern is best.